EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: FREDERICK & WASHINGTON COUNTIES (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and\r\nzealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District XI which\r\nserves Frederick and Washington Counties. Assistant Public Defenders combine\r\ntheir demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills\r\nto provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is\r\ncommitted to building a culturally\r\ndiverse staff and strongly encourages people historically\r\nunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nDistrict XI is a busy rural public defender office with a combined total\r\nof approximately 30+ employees serving Frederick and Washington Counties\r\nproviding client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with\r\nmisdemeanors and felonies. OPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and\r\nDignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of\r\nexcellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united\r\nas a team in achieving the OPD’s mission. The attorney in this position will\r\ncombine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous\r\nlitigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of\r\ntheir clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and\r\nstrongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law\r\nto apply.\r\n�\r\nAt MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice\r\nand fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of\r\nhuman suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and\r\nperspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against\r\nprejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD\r\nseeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent,\r\nzealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more\r\nabout our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD21; ASTD22�\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

FREDERICK & WASHINGTON\r\nCOUNTIES\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\r\n�\r\n● Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail\r\nhearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings.\r\n● Ensures clients are consistently heard and respected.\r\n● Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,\r\nlegislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in\r\npreparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose\r\nresolutions.\r\n● Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions,\r\nand correspondence for clients.\r\n● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,\r\ncolleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.\r\n● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and\r\nlegal issues.\r\n● Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to\r\nestablish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.\r\n● Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.\r\n● Continuously seek professional development by attending various\r\ntraining sessions.\r\n● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\nCORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment\r\nto serving communities who have been pushed to the�margins.\r\n● Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.\r\n● Clear dedication to\r\nupending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the�criminal legal system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively\r\nwith people�from different backgrounds and lived experiences.\r\n● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary\r\nto handle a�high caseload.\r\n● Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involving\r\ncomplex issues�and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a\r\nlife sentence) jury trial experience is preferred.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state.\r\n�\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar�within\r\n18 months of their start date with MOPD.\r\n\r\n

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:\r\nSalary is dependent on experience and salary rules will\r\napply to State of Maryland employees.\r\nThis would be a lateral transfer for any internal\r\ncandidates applying.\r\nAssistant Public Defender II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade\r\n21: Step 08)\r\nAssistant Public Defender III- $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step\r\n10)\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review\r\nbenefit information.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:\r\n�\r\nIf you wish to be considered, please click\r\nhere to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one\r\nPDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job\r\nOpenings: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four\r\nprofessional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15)\r\npages.\r\n�\r\nIncomplete applications will not be considered.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in\r\nthe private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure\r\nArt., Section 16-203(d)(2).\r\n�\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is\r\nan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the\r\nfull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,\r\nreligion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender\r\nidentity, national\r\norigin, veteran status, or genetic information.\r\n�\r\nAll applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and\r\npossess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.\r\nApplicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various\r\ncourtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.\r\nMOPD is further\r\ncommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for\r\nindividuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and\r\nactivities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or\r\nwork environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee\r\nto enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire;\r\nto perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal\r\nbenefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated\r\nemployees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an\r\nundue hardship.\r\n�\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.\r\nApplicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.\r\nIf a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human\r\nResources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n